Combination of quercetin and hyperoside inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis via regulation of microRNA‑21

MicroRNA-21 in urologic cancers: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications

The three most common kinds of urologic malignancies are prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer, which typically cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Early detection and effective treatment are essential due to their high fatality rates. As a result, there is an urgent need for innovative research to improve the clinical management of patients with urologic cancers. A type of small noncoding RNAs of 22 nucleotides, microRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known for their important roles in a variety of developmental processes. Among these, microRNA-21 (miR-21) stands out as a commonly studied miRNA with implications in tumorigenesis and cancer development, particularly in urological tumors. Recent research has shed light on the dysregulation of miR-21 in urological tumors, offering insights into its potential as a prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic tool. This review delves into the pathogenesis of miR-21 in prostate, bladder, and renal cancers, its utility as a cancer biomarker, and the therapeutic possibilities of targeting miR-21.

Role of MicroRNA-21 in Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis: Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets

The role of noncoding RNA has made remarkable progress in understanding progression, metastasis, and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). A better understanding of the miRNAs has enhanced our knowledge of their targeting mainly at the therapy level in solid tumors, such as prostate cancer (PCa). microRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a class of endogenous RNA that deficit encoded proteins. Therefore, the role of miRNAs has been well-coined in the progression and development of PCa. miR-21 has a dual nature in its work both as a tumor suppressor and oncogenic role, but most of the recent studies showed that miR-21 is a tumor promoter and also is involved in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Upregulation of miR-21 suppresses programmed cell death and inducing metastasis and castration resistant in PCa. miR-21 is involved in the different stages, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion, and plays an important role in the progression, metastasis, and advanced stages of PCa. Recently, various studies directly linked the role of high levels of miR-21 with a poor therapeutic response in the patient of PCa. In the present review, we have explained the molecular mechanisms/pathways of miR-21 in PCa progression, metastasis, and castration resistant and summarized the role of miR-21 in diagnosis and therapeutic levels in PCa. In addition, we have spotlighted the recent therapeutic strategies for targeting different stages of PCa.

Potential Implications of Hyperoside on Oxidative Stress-Induced Human Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Hyperoside is a flavonol glycoside mainly found in plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus, and also detected in many plant species such as Abelmoschus manihot, Ribes nigrum, Rosa rugosa, Agrostis stolonifera, Apocynum venetum and Nelumbo nucifera. This compound exhibits a multitude of biological functions including anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidative, vascular protective effects and neuroprotective effects, etc. This review summarizes the quantification, original plant, chemical structure and property, structure-activity relationship, pharmacologic effect, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical application of hyperoside, which will be significant for the exploitation for new drug and full utilization of this compound.

Quercetin modulates signal transductions and targets non-coding RNAs against cancer development

In recent decades, various investigations have indicated that natural compounds have great potential in the prevention and treatment of different chronic disorders including different types of cancer. As a bioactive flavonoid, Quercetin (Qu) is a dietary ingredient enjoying high pharmacological values and health-promoting effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characterization. Conclusive in vitro and in vivo evidence has revealed that Qu has great potential in cancer prevention and development. Qu exerts its anticancer influences by altering various cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, cell cycle, and proliferation. In this way, Qu by targeting numerous signaling pathways as well as non-coding RNAs regulates several cellular mechanisms to suppress cancer occurrence and promotion. This review aimed to summarize the impact of Qu on the molecular pathways and non-coding RNAs in modulating various cancer-associated cellular mechanisms.

Natural flavonoids exhibit potent anticancer activity by targeting microRNAs in cancer: A signature step hinting towards clinical perfection

Cancer prevalence and its rate of incidence are constantly rising since the past few decades. Owing to the toxicity of present-day antineoplastic drugs, it is imperative to explore safer and more effective molecules to combat and/or prevent this dreaded disease. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, have exhibited multifaceted implications against several diseases including cancer, without showing significant toxicity towards the normal cells. Shredded pieces of evidence suggest that flavonoids can enhance drug sensitivity and suppress proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of cancer cells by modulating several oncogenic or oncosuppressor microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs). They play pivotal roles in regulation of various biological and pathological processes, including various cancers. In the present review, the structure, chemistry and miR targeting efficacy of quercetin, luteolin, silibinin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, and cyanidin against several cancer types are comprehensively discussed. miRs are considered as next-generation medicine of recent times, and their targeting by naturally occurring flavonoids in cancer cells could be deemed as a signature step. We anticipate that our compilations related to miRNA-mediated regulation of cancer cells by flavonoids might catapult the clinical investigations and affirmation in the future.

Crosstalk between xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibiting and cancer chemotherapeutic properties of comestible flavonoids- a comprehensive update

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by metabolic disorder or genetic inheritance. People throughout the world are strongly dependent on ethnomedicine for the treatment of gout and some receive satisfactory curative treatment. The natural remedies as well as established drugs derived from natural sources or synthetically made exert their action by mechanisms that are closely associated with anticancer treatment mechanisms regarding inhibition of xanthine oxidase, feedback inhibition of de novo purine synthesis, depolymerization and disappearance of microtubule, inhibition of NF-ĸB activation, induction of TRAIL, promotion of apoptosis, and caspase activation and proteasome inhibition. Some anti-gout and anticancer novel compounds interact with same receptors for their action, e.g., colchicine and colchicine analogues. Dietary flavonoids, i.e., chrysin, kaempferol, quercetin, fisetin, pelargonidin, apigenin, luteolin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, phloretinetc etc. have comparable IC₅₀ values with established anti-gout drug and effective against both cancer and gout. Moreover, a noticeable number of newer anticancer compounds have already been isolated from plants that have been using by local traditional healers and herbal practitioners to treat gout. Therefore, the anti-gout plants might have greater potentiality to become selective candidates for screening of newer anticancer leads.

Synthetic Pathways and the Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin and Curcumin

Polyphenols are considered popular ingredients in the pharmaceutical and medical fields due to their preventive and therapeutic properties. However, the potential effects and mechanisms of action of individual polyphenols remain largely unknown. Herein, we analyzed recent data on the synthetic pathways, features, and similarity of the properties of quercetin, as the most famous flavonoid, and curcumin, a representative of curcuminoids that despite their anti-oxidant activity, also have a pro-oxidant effect, depending on the concentration and the cellular environment. This review focuses on an analysis of their anti-cancer efficacy against various cancer cell lines via cell cycle arrest (regulation of p53/p21 and CDK/cyclins) and by triggering the mitochondrial intrinsic (Bcl-2/Bax/caspase 9) apoptotic pathway, as well as through the modulation of the signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, MAPK, p53, and NF-ĸB) and their influence on the non-coding RNAs involved in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, and metastasis. The therapeutic potential of quercetin and curcumin is discussed not only on the basis of their anti-cancer effects, but also with regard to their anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial actions.

Potential mechanisms of quercetin in cancer prevention: focus on cellular and molecular targets

Over the past few years, the cancer-related disease has had a high mortality rate and incidence worldwide, despite clinical advances in cancer treatment. The drugs used for cancer therapy, have high side effects in addition to the high cost. Subsequently, to reduce these side effects, many studies have suggested the use of natural bioactive compounds. Among these, which have recently attracted the attention of many researchers, quercetin has such properties. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in fresh fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits, has anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor proliferation, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer mechanism of quercetin, and these mechanisms are controlled through several signalling pathways within the cancer cell. Pathways involved in this process include apoptotic, p53, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to regulating these pathways, quercetin controls the activity of oncogenic and tumor suppressor ncRNAs. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we summarized the regulation of these signalling pathways by quercetin. The modulatory role of quercetin in the expression of various miRNAs has also been discussed. Understanding the basic anti-cancer mechanisms of these herbal compounds can help prevent and manage many types of cancer.

The Targeting of Noncoding RNAs by Quercetin in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

The dietary flavonoid quercetin is ubiquitously distributed in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Quercetin has been a focal point in recent years due to its versatile health-promoting benefits and high pharmacological values. It has well documented that quercetin exerts anticancer actions by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and retarding the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of quercetin-mediated cancer chemoprevention is still not fully understood. With the advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, the intricate oncogenic signaling networks have been gradually characterized. Increasing evidence on the close association between noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) and cancer etiopathogenesis emphasizes the potential of ncRNAs as promising molecular targets for cancer treatment. Available experimental studies indicate that quercetin can dominate multiple cancer-associated ncRNAs, hence repressing carcinogenesis and cancer development. Thus, modulation of ncRNAs serves as a key mechanism responsible for the anticancer effects of quercetin. In this review, we focus on the chemopreventive effects of quercetin on cancer pathogenesis by targeting cancer-relevant ncRNAs, supporting the viewpoint that quercetin holds promise as a drug candidate for cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. An in-depth comprehension of the interplay between quercetin and ncRNAs in the inhibition of cancer development and progression will raise the possibility of developing this bioactive compound as an anticancer agent that could be highly efficacious and safe in clinical practice.

Tamarixetin Abrogates Adipogenesis Through Inhibiting p300/CBP-Associated Factor Acetyltransferase Activity in 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Cells

Tamarixetin (TX) is an O-methylated flavonoid naturally derived from quercetin. TX has bioactive properties; however, whether it shows antilipogenic activity remains unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the antilipogenic effects of TX using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured in a differentiation medium with or without TX. Lipid accumulation was diminished and the mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes was decreased following TX treatment. We found that TX exhibited antilipogenic effects by inhibiting the expression of p300/CBP-associated factor (pCAF), a histone acetyltransferase, as confirmed by pCAF knockdown. Furthermore, TX inhibited both pCAF expression and its activity, thereby reducing the total acetylation level of nonhistone and histone proteins. Finally, TX decreased the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and beta (CEBPα and CEBPβ), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ along with pCAF expression during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells in a time-dependent manner. Collectively, our findings suggest that TX is a potent antilipogenic agent derived from natural products and may be used as a pCAF inhibitor.

Hyperoside suppresses BMP-7-dependent PI3K/AKT pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background

New therapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are urgently needed and searching for new anti-cancer compounds in plant medicines may represent a promising approach. The present study was conducted to clarify the role of hyperoside (HP) and its underlying molecular mechanism in a cancer cell.

Methods

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) protein expression was measure in Human HCC tissue. In in vitro experiments, HP effects on cell proliferation and the mechanism were investigated deeply.

Results

The result showed a higher expression of BMP-7 in human HCC compared to adjacent noncancerous counterparts, and that silencing of BMP-7 suppressed HepG2 cell proliferation, suggesting BMP-7 plays an anti-cancer role in HCC. Furthermore, we found that HP could induce cell cycle arrest in proliferating HepG2 cells at the G1 phase by decreasing BMP-7 expression and that the phosphorylation of AKT and expression of PI3K were significantly down-regulated upon treatment of HP or BMP-7 knockdown. In addition, silencing of BMP-7 abrogated the difference of AKT phosphorylation between cells with and without HP treatment.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that HP suppressed cell proliferation by inhibiting the BMP-7-dependent PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HepG2 HCC cells, and either HP supplement or targeting BMP-7 might be a promising treatment against HCC.

MicroRNA mediated therapeutic effects of natural agents in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Several natural products, extensively studied for their anticancer activities, have been found to play an efficient role in preventing prostate cancer (PCa). Recently many natural agents have been reported to modulate microRNAs (miRNAs), that are involved in cancer cell growth. The microRNAs are endogenous small noncoding ribonucleic acid molecules that regulate various biological processes through an elegant mechanism of post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Besides being involved in cancer initiation, progression, angiogenesis, inflammation, they have been reported to be responsible for chemoresistance, and radioresistance of tumors. The dysregulated miRNA expression has been associated with many cancers including PCa. Over the past several years, it has been found that natural agents are good regulators of miRNAs and have a role in PCa also. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involving miRNAs by natural agents could result in developing useful strategies to combat this deadly disease.

METHODS

In order to collect research articles, the PubMed search engine was used with keywords 'prostate cancer' and 'natural agents' and 2007 papers were retrieved, further refinement with keywords 'phytochemical' and 'prostate cancer' showed 503 papers. Data was collected from research articles, published from 2010 to 2021. From these, research articles showing miRNA-mediated mechanisms were selected.

RESULTS

In this review, we have summarized the information available on the modulation of miRNAs by natural agents, their derivatives, and various combinatorial strategies with chemo/radiation therapy for the mitigation of PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current review of literature, it has been found that the use of natural agents is a novel approach for altering miRNA expression strongly associated with PCa development, recurrence and resistance.

Hyperoside prevents sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction through regulating cardiomyocyte viability and inflammation via inhibiting miR-21

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction results in increased mortality. Hyperoside (Hyp) is a flavonoid, showing significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, its pharmacological effects on sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction remain unknown. In this study, we attempted to explore whether Hyp could prevent cardiac dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We established a mice mode of sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) treatment, and constructed a cell model of myocardial injury by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The cardiac function indicators and the inflammatory cytokine levels were measured. Effect of Hyp on cardiomyocyte viability was evaluated using MTT assay. The expression and functional role of microRNA-21 (miR-21), a documented molecule that regulated by Hyp, was evaluated in the constructed models, and the potential targets of miR-21 were predicted.

RESULTS

Hyp alleviated the impaired cardiac function and stimulated inflammation caused by CLP in the in vivo sepsis model, and alleviated the LPS-induced decrease in cell viability and increase in inflammation of cardiomyocytes. Additionally, Hyp significantly inhibited the expression of miR-21 in LPS-induced cardiomyocytes, and the increased cell viability and decreased inflammation caused by Hyp in the in vitro model could be reversed by miR-21 overexpression. In animal model of sepsis, the protective influence of Hyp against sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction was attenuated by miR-21 upregulation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that Hyp may serve as a promising natural drug for the treatment of sepsis-associated cardiac dysfunction, and its protective role may exerted through regulating cardiomyocyte viability and inflammation by suppressing miR-21.

Research Progress in Flavonoids as Potential Anticancer Drug Including Synergy with Other Approaches

BACKGROUND

In chemotherapy for cancer, conventional drugs aim to target the rapidly growing and dividing cells at the early stages. However, at an advanced stage, cancer cells become less susceptible because of the multidrug resistance and the recruitment of alternative salvage pathways for their survival. Besides, owing to target non-selectivity, healthy proliferating cells also become vulnerable to the damage. The combination therapies offered using flavonoids to cure cancer not only exert an additive effect against cancer cells by targetting supplementary cell carnage pathways but also hampers the drug resistance mechanisms. Thus, the review aims to discuss the potential and pharmacokinetic limitations of flavonoids in cancer treatment. Further successful synergistic studies reported using flavonoids to treat cancer has been described along with potential drug delivery systems.

METHODS

A literature search was done by exploring various online databases like Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with the specific keywords like "Anticancer drugs", "flavonoids", "oncology research", and "pharmacokinetics".

RESULTS

Dietary phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, hinder cell signalling responsible for multidrug resistance and cancer progression, primarily targeting cancer cells sparing normal cells. Such properties establish flavonoids as a potential candidate for synergistic therapy. However, due to low absorption and high metabolism rates, the bioavailability of flavonoids becomes a challenge. Such challenges may be overcome using novel approaches like derivatization, and single or co-delivery nano-complexes of flavonoids with conventional drugs. These new approaches may improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic of flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the application of flavonoids as a potential anticancer phytochemical class in combination with known anti-cancer drugs/nanoparticles. It also discusses flavonoid's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics issues and ways to overcome such issues. Moreover, it covers successful methodologies employed to establish flavonoids as a safe and effective phytochemical class for cancer treatment.

Emerging impact of quercetin in the treatment of prostate cancer

Quercetin is a flavonoid agent detected in fruits and vegetables with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. This flavonoid can suppress cell cycle transition and induce apoptosis in neoplastic cells. Therapeutic effects of quercetin have been assessed in diverse cancers including prostate cancer through the establishment of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, this agent might prevent the initiation of this type of cancer as it indirectly blocks the activity of promoters of two important genes in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer i.e. androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Several in vitro investigations have identified the differential influence of quercetin on normal prostate cells versus neoplastic cells, emphasizing its specific cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells. The most appreciated route of quercetin effect on prostate cancer cells is the detachment of Bax from Bcl-xL and the stimulation of caspase families. Besides, quercetin might enhance the effects of other therapeutic options against prostate cancer. For instance, a combination of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and quercetin has been recommended as a novel modality for the treatment of prostate cancer. These kinds of strategies might overcome resistance to apoptosis in cancer cells. In the current paper, we summarize the recent data about the preventive and therapeutic influences of quercetin in prostate cancer.

Quercetin and Its Nano-Scale Delivery Systems in Prostate Cancer Therapy: Paving the Way for Cancer Elimination and Reversing Chemoresistance

Prostate cancer is the second most leading and prevalent malignancy around the world, following lung cancer. Prostate cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer morbidity and mortality have grown drastically, and intensive prostate cancer care is unlikely to produce adequate outcomes. The synthetic drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer in clinical practice face several challenges. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Apart from its beneficial effects, its plays a key role as an anti-cancer agent. Quercetin has shown anticancer potential, both alone and in combination. Therefore, the current study was designed to collect information from the literature regarding its therapeutic significance in the treatment of prostate cancer. Studies performed both in vitro and in vivo have confirmed that quercetin effectively prevents prostate cancer through different underlying mechanisms. Promising findings have also been achieved in clinical trials regarding the pharmacokinetics and human applications of quercetin. In the meantime, epidemiological studies have shown a negative correlation between the consumption of quercetin and the incidence of prostate cancer, and have indicated a chemopreventive effect of quercetin on prostate cancer in animal models. The major issues associated with quercetin are its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism, and these require priority attention. Chemoresistance is another main negative feature concerning prostate cancer treatment. This review highlights the chemotherapeutic effect, chemo preventive effect, and chemoresistance elimination potential of quercetin in prostate cancer. The underlying mechanisms for elimination of prostate cancer and eradication of resistance, either alone or in combination with other agents, are also discussed. In addition, the nanoscale delivery of quercetin is underpinned along with possible directions for future study.

Hyperin Controls the Development and Therapy of Gastric Cancer via Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Background

Hyperin is an effective monomer extracted from Malvaceae plant Abelmoschus, which is a flavonol glycoside compound. Hyperin performs a variety of pharmacological activities, such as analgesia, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, avoiding microthrombosis, regulating immune function, inhibiting tumor cell growth. But the role of Hyperin on gastric cancer is unrevealed. Considering the essential role of Hyperin, Hyperin function in gastric cancer is necessary to explore.

Aim

To identify the function of Hyperin in gastric cancer.

Methods

The role of Hyperin on gastric cell progression was detected in our research. Proliferation, migration, and invasion ability were assessed by the CCK-8, colony formation, cell-cycle assay, wound healing, Transwell migration and invasion assays. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry showed the results of the apoptosis level. Further, caspase-3, -9 activity and apoptosis-associated protein were assessed by the Caspase activity kit and Western blot. Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway activity was appraised by TOP/FOP luciferase activity. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the role of Hyperin on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Functional experiments showed that Hyperin inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, Hyperin prevented tumor growth by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that Hyperin suppressed gastric cancer progression by controlling Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway, which provided a novel therapy in gastric cancer.

Natural Products Attenuating Biosynthesis, Processing, and Activity of Ras Oncoproteins: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

RAS genes encode signaling proteins, which, in mammalian cells, act as molecular switches regulating critical cellular processes as proliferation, growth, differentiation, survival, motility, and metabolism in response to specific stimuli. Deregulation of Ras functions has a high impact on human health: gain-of-function point mutations in RAS genes are found in some developmental disorders and thirty percent of all human cancers, including the deadliest. For this reason, the pathogenic Ras variants represent important clinical targets against which to develop novel, effective, and possibly selective pharmacological inhibitors. Natural products represent a virtually unlimited resource of structurally different compounds from which one could draw on for this purpose, given the improvements in isolation and screening of active molecules from complex sources. After a summary of Ras proteins molecular and regulatory features and Ras-dependent pathways relevant for drug development, we point out the most promising inhibitory approaches, the known druggable sites of wild-type and oncogenic Ras mutants, and describe the known natural compounds capable of attenuating Ras signaling. Finally, we highlight critical issues and perspectives for the future selection of potential Ras inhibitors from natural sources.

Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4), a novel therapy target for metabolic diseases besides cancer

Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) is originally described as a tumor suppressor gene that exerts antineoplastic effects by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Several investigations have probed the aberrant expression of PDCD4 with the progression of metabolic diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. It has been ascertained that PDCD4 causes glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammatory response, and gut flora disorders to regulate the progression of metabolic diseases. This review aims to summarize the latest researches to uncover the structure, expression regulation, and biological functions of PDCD4 and to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of the development of tumors and metabolic diseases. This review has emphasized the understanding of the PDCD4 role and to provide new ideas for the research, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors and metabolic diseases.

MicroRNA-based regulatory mechanisms underlying the synergistic antioxidant action of quercetin and catechin in H2O2-stimulated HepG2 cells: Roles of BACH1 in Nrf2-dependent pathways

The microRNA-based mechanisms underlying the antioxidant action(s) of co-existing flavonoids in response to oxidative stress are of high interest. This study aimed to extend the existing knowledge and provide insights into the potential regulatory network in response to oxidative stress and the co-presence of quercetin and catechin antioxidants, via a preclinical approach using H₂O₂-stimulated HepG2 cells. It was confirmed that BACH1 serves as an essential and direct negative regulator of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and the antioxidant synergism between quercetin and catechin. BACH1 promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation while inhibiting cell growth, which could be reversed by the synergistic action of let-7a-5p and miR-25-3p in the co-presence of quercetin and catechin. Both let-7a-5p and miR-25-3p could directly regulate the expression and function of BACH1 (e.g. upregulation of the two miRNAs could rescue largely overexpression of BACH1). Although these molecular interactions likely represented only some aspects of the overall regulatory network, this research confirms the feasibility of the combined uses of dietary flavonoids with chemopreventive properties in synergy during multiple-target interactions and multiple-pathway regulation.

Flavonoids as Epigenetic Modulators for Prostate Cancer Prevention

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a multifactorial disease with an unclear etiology. Due to its high prevalence, long latency, and slow progression, PCa is an ideal target for chemoprevention strategies. Many research studies have highlighted the positive effects of natural flavonoids on chronic diseases, including PCa. Different classes of dietary flavonoids exhibit anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-aging, cardioprotective, anti-viral/bacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties. We overviewed the most recent evidence of the antitumoral effects exerted by dietary flavonoids, with a special focus on their epigenetic action in PCa. Epigenetic alterations have been identified as key initiating events in several kinds of cancer. Many dietary flavonoids have been found to reverse DNA aberrations that promote neoplastic transformation, particularly for PCa. The epigenetic targets of the actions of flavonoids include oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, indirectly controlled through the regulation of epigenetic enzymes such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), histone acetyltransferase (HAT), and histone deacetylase (HDAC). In addition, flavonoids were found capable of restoring miRNA and lncRNA expression that is altered during diseases. The optimization of the use of flavonoids as natural epigenetic modulators for chemoprevention and as a possible treatment of PCa and other kinds of cancers could represent a promising and valid strategy to inhibit carcinogenesis and fight cancer.

Hyperoside Alleviates High Glucose-Induced Proliferation of Mesangial Cells through the Inhibition of the ERK/CREB/miRNA-34a Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

Hyperoside, a flavonoid isolated from conventional medicinal herbs, has been demonstrated to exert a significant protective effect in diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to determine the underlying mechanisms, by which hyperoside inhibits high glucose-(HG-) induced proliferation in mouse renal mesangial cells.

METHODS

Mouse glomerular mesangial cells line (SV40-MES13) was used to study the inhibitory effect of hyperoside on cell proliferation induced by 30 mM glucose, which was used to simulate a diabetic condition. Viable cell count was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and by the 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine incorporation assay. The underlying mechanism involving miRNA-34a was further investigated by quantitative RT-PCR and transfection with miRNA-34a agomir. The phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) were measured by Western blotting. The binding region and the critical binding sites of CREB in the miRNA-34a promoter were investigated by the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that hyperoside could significantly decrease HG-induced proliferation of SV40-MES13 cells in a dose-dependent manner, without causing obvious cell death. In addition, hyperoside inhibited the activation of ERK pathway and phosphorylation of its downstream transcriptional factor CREB, as well as the miRNA-34a expression. We further confirmed that CREB-mediated regulation of miRNA-34a is dependent on the direct binding to specific sites in the promoter region of miRNA-34a.

CONCLUSION

Our cumulative results suggested that hyperoside inhibits the proliferation of SV40-MES13 cells through the suppression of the ERK/CREB/miRNA-34a signaling pathway, which provides new insight to the current investigation on therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy.

Hyperoside Induces Breast Cancer Cells Apoptosis via ROS-Mediated NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Hyperoside (quercetin 3-o-β-d-galactopyranoside) is one of the flavonoid glycosides with anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-cancer effects. But it remains unknown whether it had effects on breast cancer. Here, different concentrations of hyperoside were used to explore its therapeutic potential in both breast cancer cells and subcutaneous homotransplant mouse model. CCK-8 and wound healing assays showed that the viability and migration capability of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and 4T1 cells were inhibited by hyperoside, while the apoptosis of cells were increased. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect mRNA and the protein level, respectively, which showed decreased levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), and increased levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. After exploration of the potential mechanism, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced by the administration of hyperoside, which subsequently inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Tumor volume was significantly decreased in subcutaneous homotransplant mouse model in hyperoside-treated group, which was consistent with our study in vitro. These results indicated that hyperoside acted as an anticancer drug through ROS-related apoptosis and its mechanism included activation of the Bax-caspase-3 axis and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

The effect of quercetin on microRNA expression: A critical review

Quercetin, a flavonoid with multiple proven health benefits to both man and animals, displays a plethora of biological activities, collectively referred to as pleiotropic. The most studied of these are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory but modulation of signalling pathways is important as well. One of the lesser-known and recently discovered roles of quercetin, is modulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression. miRNAs are important posttranscriptional modulators that play a critical role in health and disease and many of these non-coding oligonucleotides are recognized as oncogenic or tumor suppressor miRNAs. This review is an evaluation of the recent relevant literature on the subject, with focus on the ability of quercetin to modulate miRNA expression. It includes a summary of recent knowledge on miRNAs deregulated by quercetin, an overview of quercetin pharmacokinetics and miRNA biogenesis, for the interested reader.

Effects of quercetin on microRNAs: A mechanistic review

MicroRNA (miRNA)-dependent pathways are one of the newest gene regulation mechanisms in various diseases, particularly in cancers. miRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs with about 18 to 25 nucleotide length, which can regulate the expression of at least 60% of human total genome posttranscriptionally. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid in a variety of fruits, flowers, and medical herbs, known as a strong free radical scavenger that could show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Recent studies also reported its strong impact on various miRNA expressions in different abnormalities. In this review, we aimed to summarize the studies focused on the effects of quercetin on different miRNA expressions to more clear the main possible mechanisms of quercetin influences and introduce it as a beneficial agent for regulation of miRNAs in various biological directions.

Molecular Mechanisms and Bioavailability of Polyphenols in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men over the age of 50. Several lines of evidence support the observation that polyphenols have preventive and therapeutic effects in prostate cancer. Moreover, prostate cancer is ideal for chemoprevention due to its long latency. We propose here an equilibrated lifestyle with a diet rich in polyphenols as prophylactic attempts to slow down the progression of localized prostate cancer or prevent the occurrence of the disease. In this review, we will first summarize the molecular mechanisms of polyphenols in prostate cancer with a focus on the antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects, androgen receptors (AR), key molecules involved in AR signaling and their transactivation pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, genetic aspects, and epigenetic mechanisms. The relevance of the molecular mechanisms is discussed in light of current bioavailability data regarding the activity of polyphenols in prostate cancer. We also highlight strategies for improving the bioavailability of polyphenols. We hope that this review will lead to further research regarding the bioavailability and the role of polyphenols in prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Dietary Flavonoid Hyperoside Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae as a Model

Oxidative stress leads to various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer. The dietary flavonol glycoside, hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside), exerts health benefits by preventing oxidative damage. To further understand its antioxidative defence mechanisms, we systemically investigated the regulation of hyperoside on oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide, carbon tetrachloride, and cadmium in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hyperoside significantly increased cell viability, decreased lipid peroxidation, and lowered intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the wild-type strain (WT) and mutants gtt1∆ and gtt2∆. However, the strain with ctt1∆ showed variable cell viability and intracellular ROS-scavenging ability in response to the hyperoside treatment upon the stimulation of H₂O₂ and CCl₄. In addition, hyperoside did not confer viability tolerance or intercellular ROS in CdSO₄-induced stress to strains of sod1∆ and gsh1∆. The results suggest that the antioxidative reactions of hyperoside in S. cerevisiae depend on the intercellular ROS detoxification system.

Hyperoside protects human kidney‑2 cells against oxidative damage induced by oxalic acid

The majority of renal calculi (kidney stones) are calcium stones. Oxidative damage to renal tubular epithelial cells induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the predominant cause of calcium oxalate stone formation. Hyperoside (Hyp) is a flavonol glycoside extracted from medicinal plants and appears to exhibit potent antioxidant activity in various cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Hyp on renal cells exposed to oxidative stress simulated by oxalic acid (OA), and to determine whether the underlying mechanism involves the nuclear factor E2‑related factor2 (Nrf2)‑antioxidative response element signaling pathway. The study determined the indicators of high oxidative stress, including ROS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human kidney‑2 cells and the results demonstrated that the levels of ROS, as evaluated by flow cytometry, and H2O2 were significantly increased following treatment with OA (5 mmol/l) for 24 h (OA group), compared with those in the untreated control group. The increased activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in these cells explained this observation, as it is a major source of ROS. The results demonstrated that, in the OA group, the adhesion of calcium oxalate crystals and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased, and MTT assay demonstrated that cell viability was inhibited, compared with the control, which indicated that severe injury of cells was induced by OA. However, when the cells were pre‑treated with Hyp prior to treatment with OA (drug group), the levels of ROS and H2O2, and the activities of NADPH oxidase and LD were increased, and the adhesion of calcium oxalate crystals to cells was reduced, compared with the OA group. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1) and NAD(P)H: quinineoxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the Hyp groups were significantly increased, compared with those in the OA group, with the exception of Nrf2 mRNA. These results suggested that Hyp had a marked protective effect on renal cells against the oxidative damage and cytotoxicity simulated by OA. This is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, demonstrating that the ability of Hyp to enhance the endogenous functions of antioxidation and detoxification in cells may involve the Nrf2/HO‑1/NQO1 pathway.

Chemopreventive Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Luobuma Leaves (Apocynum venetum L.) in Androgen Insensitive Prostate Cancer

Luobuma (Apocynum venetum L. (AVL)) is a popular beverage in Asia and has been reportedly to be associated with the bioactivities such as cardiotonic, diuretic, antioxidative, and antihypertensive. However, its biofunction as chemoprevention activity is seldom addressed. Herein, we aimed to characterize the anti-androgen-insensitive-prostate-cancer (anti-AIPC) bioactive compounds of Luobuma, and to investigate the associated molecular mechanisms. Activity-guided-fractionation (antioxidative activity and cell survivability) of Luobuma ethanolic extracts was performed to isolate and characterize the major bioactive compounds using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Plant sterols (lupeol, stigamasterol and β-sitosterol) and polyphenolics (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin) were identified. Lupeol, a triterpene found in the fraction (F8) eluted by 10% ethyl acetate/90% hexane and accounted for 19.3% (w/w) of F8, inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells. Both lupeol and F8 induced G2/M arrest, inhibition of β-catenin signaling, regulation of apoptotic signal molecules (cytochrome c, Bcl-2, P53, and caspase 3 and 8), and suppression DNA repair enzyme expression (Uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG)). To our knowledge, our study is the first report that lupeol inhibited the expression of UNG to elicit the cytotoxicity against androgen-insensitive-prostate-cancer cells. Collectively, Luobuma, which contains several antitumor bioactive compounds, holds the potential to be a dietary chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer.

Anticancer and apoptosis‑inducing effects of quercetin in vitro and in vivo

The present study focused on the elucidation of the putative anticancer potential of quercetin. The anticancer activity of quercetin at 10, 20, 40, 80 and 120 µM was assessed in vitro by MMT assay in 9 tumor cell lines (colon carcinoma CT‑26 cells, prostate adenocarcinoma LNCaP cells, human prostate PC3 cells, pheocromocytoma PC12 cells, estrogen receptor‑positive breast cancer MCF‑7 cells, acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT‑4 T‑cells, human myeloma U266B1 cells, human lymphoid Raji cells and ovarian cancer CHO cells). Quercetin was found to induce the apoptosis of all the tested cancer cell lines at the utilized concentrations. Moreover, quercetin significantly induced the apoptosis of the CT‑26, LNCaP, MOLT‑4 and Raji cell lines, as compared to control group (P<0.001), as demonstrated by Annexin V/PI staining. In in vivo experiments, mice bearing MCF‑7 and CT‑26 tumors exhibited a significant reduction in tumor volume in the quercetin‑treated group as compared to the control group (P<0.001). Taken together, quercetin, a naturally occurring compound, exhibits anticancer properties both in vivo and in vitro.

Inhibitory effect of hyperoside isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaves on SW620 human colorectal cancer cells via induction of the p53 signaling pathway and apoptosis

The present study aimed to demonstrate the antiproliferative effect of hyperoside from Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaves (HZL) and explain the underlying molecular mechanisms in the SW620 human colorectal cancer cell line. The cytotoxic effects of HZL were determined using a3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were detected using flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) were assessed using 2',7'‑dichlorofluorescin diacetate and 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodide fluorescence spectrophotometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to quantify the expression levels of apoptosis‑associated proteins. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to determine the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑Px) and catalase (CAT). HZL had a marked anti‑proliferative effect on the SW620 human colorectal cancer cells by inducing cell cycle G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, which was associated with an increase in the expression of p53 and p21. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that the induction of apoptosis was associated with increased generation of ROS, reduced ∆Ψm, and upregulation of B‑cell lymphoma 2‑associated X protein, cytochrome c, caspase‑9, apoptotic protease activating factor 1 and caspase‑3. The antitumor potency of HZL was also attributed to inhibition of the mRNA expression levels of GSH‑Px and CAT. These data indicated that HZL may be involved in the pro‑apoptotic signaling of SW620 human colorectal cancer cells via induction of the caspase‑dependent apoptosis and p53 signaling pathways.

miR-143 Induces the Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer LNCap Cells by Suppressing Bcl-2 Expression

Background

Prostate cancer has become a serious threat to the life of patients. microRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the growth and apoptosis of cells. We aimed to investigate the regulation and mechanism of microRNA (miR-143) in the proliferation and apoptosis of prostate cancer LNCap cells.

Material/Methods

miR-143 and control scramble miRNA were synthesized and respectively transfected into LNCap cells. The proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and caspase-3 activity assay. The intracellular expression of Bcl-2 was determined by Western blot. Further, LNCap cells were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Bcl-2 (siBcl-2) or plasmid expressing Bcl-2, followed by transfection of miR-143 or control miRNA. Bcl-2 expression was detected by Western blot, and cell apoptosis was measured by caspase-3 activity assay.

Results

Transfection of miR-143 significantly inhibited the proliferation of LNCap cells (P=0.0073), increased the percentage of externalized phosphatidylserine (P=0.0042), activated the caspase-3 (P=0.0012), and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 (P=0.012) when compared with the control miRNA group. The expression of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced after siBcl-2 transfection. The apoptosis in the siBcl-2+miR-143 group was significantly increased compared with that in the miR-143 group (P=0.036), whereas there was no significant difference in the apoptosis between the siBcl-2+miRNA and miRNA groups. The expression of Bcl-2 was obviously higher after the transfection of Bcl-2-expressing plasmid. The apoptosis in Bcl-2+miR-143 group was significantly reduced compared with the miR-143 group (P=0.031), whereas no significant difference in the apoptosis was detected between the miRNA and Bcl-2+miRNA groups.

Conclusions

Transfection of miR-143 induces the apoptosis of prostate cancer LNCap cells by down-regulating Bcl-2 expression, suggesting that Bcl-2 might be a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Advances in Synergistic Combinations of Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Cancer

The complex pathology of cancer development requires correspondingly complex treatments. The traditional application of individual single-target drugs fails to sufficiently treat cancer with durable therapeutic effects and tolerable adverse events. Therefore, synergistic combinations of drugs represent a promising way to enhance efficacy, overcome toxicity and optimize safety. Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) have long been used as such synergistic combinations. Therefore, we summarized the synergistic combinations of CHMs used in the treatment of cancer and their roles in chemotherapy in terms of enhancing efficacy, reducing side effects, immune modulation, as well as abrogating drug resistance. Our conclusions support the development of further science-based holistic modalities for cancer care.

MicroRNAs as novel therapeutic targets to treat kidney injury and fibrosis

MicroRNAs (miRs), a class of small noncoding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, have attracted increasing attention as critical regulators of organogenesis, cancer, and disease. Interest has been spurred by development of a novel class of synthetic RNA oligonucleotides with excellent drug-like properties that hybridize to a specific miR, preventing its action. In kidney disease, a small number of miRs are dysregulated. These overlap with regulated miRs in nephrogenesis and kidney cancers. Several dysregulated miRs have been identified in fibrotic diseases of other organs, representing a "fibrotic signature," and some of these fibrotic miRs contribute remarkably to the pathogenesis of kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease, affecting ∼10% of the population, leads to kidney failure, with few treatment options. Here, we will explore the pathological mechanism of miR-21, whose pre-eminent role in amplifying kidney disease and fibrosis by suppressing mitochondrial biogenesis and function is established. Evolving roles for miR-214, -199, -200, -155, -29, -223, and -126 in kidney disease will be discussed, and we will demonstrate how studying functions of distinct miRs has led to new mechanistic insights for kidney disease progression. Finally, the utility of anti-miR oligonucleotides as potential novel therapeutics to treat chronic disease will be highlighted.

Dietary phytochemicals as epigenetic modifiers in cancer: Promise and challenges

The influence of diet and environment on human health has been known since ages. Plant-derived natural bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) have acquired an important role in human diet as potent antioxidants and cancer chemopreventive agents. In past few decades, the role of epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in the regulation of mammalian genome have been comprehensively addressed. Although the effects of dietary phytochemicals on gene expression and signaling pathways have been widely studied in cancer, the impact of these dietary compounds on mammalian epigenome is rapidly emerging. The present review outlines the role of different epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation and maintenance of mammalian genome and focuses on the role of dietary phytochemicals as epigenetic modifiers in cancer. Above all, the review focuses on summarizing the progress made thus far in cancer chemoprevention with dietary phytochemicals, the heightened interest and challenges in the future.

Hyperoside induces both autophagy and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro

AIM

Hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside) is a flavonol glycoside found in plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus, which exhibits anticancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study we investigated whether autophagy was involved in the anticancer mechanisms of hyperoside in human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro.

METHODS

Human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 was tested, and human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was used for comparison. The expression of LC3-II, apoptotic and signaling proteins was measured using Western blotting. Autophagosomes were observed with MDC staining, LC3 immunocytochemistry, and GFP-LC3 fusion protein techniques. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.

RESULTS

Hyperoside (0.5, 1, 2 mmol/L) dose-dependently increased the expression of LC3-II and autophagosome numbers in A549 cells, but had no such effects in BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, hyperoside dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K and 4E-BP1, but increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in A549 cells. Insulin (200 nmol/L) markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and decreased LC3-II expression in A549 cells, which were reversed by pretreatment with hyperoside, whereas the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 (20 μmol/L) did not blocked hyperoside-induced LC3-II expression. Finally, hyperoside dose-dependently suppressed the cell viability and induced apoptosis in A549 cells, which were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (2.5 mmol/L).

CONCLUSION

Hyperoside induces both autophagy and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro. The autophagy is induced through inhibiting the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signal pathways, which contributes to anticancer actions of hyperoside.

Dietary components as epigenetic-regulating agents against cancer

Carcinogenesis is a complicated process that involves the deregulation of epigenetics resulting in cellular transformational events, such proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. Epigenetic machinery changes the accessibility of chromatin to transcriptional regulation through DNA modification. The collaboration of epigenetics and gene transcriptional regulation creates a suitable microenvironment for cancer development, which is proved by the alternation in cell proliferation, differentiation, division, metabolism, DNA repair and movement. Therefore, the reverse of epigenetic dysfunction may provide a possible strategy and new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Many dietary components such as sulforaphane and epigallocatechin- 3-gallate have been demonstrated to exert chemopreventive influences, such as reducing tumor growth and enhancing cancer cell death. Anticancer mechanistic studies also indicated that dietary components could display the ability to reverse epigenetic deregulation in assorted tumors via reverting the adverse epigenetic regulation, including alternation of DNA methylation and histone modification, and modulation of microRNA expression. Therefore, dietary components as therapeutic agents on epigenetics becomes an attractive approach for cancer prevention and intervention at the moment. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries and underlying mechanisms of the most common dietary components for cancer prevention via epigenetic regulation.

Hyperoside induces apoptosis and inhibits growth in pancreatic cancer via Bcl-2 family and NF-κB signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo

Although advanced surgical operation and chemotherapy have been under taken, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and fatal human malignancies with a low 5-year survival rate of less than 5 %. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for prevention and remedy are urgently needed in pancreatic cancer. This present research aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects of hyperoside in human pancreatic cancer cells. Our in vitro results showed that hyperoside suppressed the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of two different human pancreatic cancer cell lines, which correlated with up-regulation of the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and down-regulation of levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and NF-κB's downstream gene products. What's more, using an orthotopic model of human pancreatic cancer, we found that hyperoside also inhibited the tumor growth significantly. Mechanically, these outcomes could also be associated with the up-regulation of the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and down-regulation of levels of NF-κB and NF-κB's downstream gene products. Collectively, our experiments indicate that hyperoside may be a promising candidate agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.